How do we know whether we are egoistic or humble in our daily lives? As we worship Mother Durga during the auspicious Navaratri, Bhagawan gives us beautiful tips to introspect and reform ourselves.

It is hard to get rid of pride and self-love or ego (ahamkara), for everyone has been shaping their life from the beginningless period of time! Everyone has been allowing their mind to flow in the direction it likes for ages past, so it is very difficult now to turn it from its accustomed path and bend its steps in another direction. Individuals full of ‘I’ (aham), love to exercise authority over others. They will not agree with others that it is ‘bondage’, for the arguments of others are not accepted by them! They see everything through glasses coloured by the smoke of selfishness and self-love. “My words are true”, “My opinion is correct”, “My deeds are right” - they feel this way and spend their days. Such behaviour is very harmful for spiritual aspirants. They must look forward eagerly to any helpful criticism or suggestion or advice, from whatever quarter.